Episode 48: America’s Choice: Normalize Violence or Defend Democracy

Surviving Trump: Your Essential Guide to His Second Term

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America is splitting in two directions—one where violence is excused and even celebrated, and one where democracy still depends on ballots, laws, and peaceful protest. In this third episode of our political violence series, Bella Goode unpacks the asymmetry of how left and right treat violence, Stephen Miller’s calls to weaponize the Justice Department against dissent, and the dangerous rise of “national divorce” rhetoric. Most importantly, she explores the kind of ethical leadership needed to resist authoritarian drift and keep democracy alive.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• The asymmetry of violence: How the right normalizes militias, threats, and revenge while the left rejects political violence
• Stephen Miller’s vow to prosecute dissent with RICO and insurrection charges
• Why “national divorce” talk fuels mistrust, deepens division, and lowers the bar for secessionist fantasies
• The cascading consequences of political violence: fractured identity, weakened institutions, authoritarian drift, and civic withdrawal
• Profiles of ethical leadership: Chris Murphy, Wes Moore, Josh Shapiro, Jamie Raskin and how they model resilience, empathy, and moral clarity
• Why rejecting violence, defending institutions, and confronting disinformation are the minimum standards for saving democracy

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Fox News
• The Bulwark

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Host: Bella Goode

Bella is a former Republican turned democracy advocate raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania with a masters of business administration from Wharton and a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology.

Career wise, Bella spent 20 years with American Express in New York and 20 years as an entrepreneur. She started and sold a fitness business that grew to 180 locations worldwide.

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